Hospital builder’s bid for ‘common sense’

THE proponents of a new private hospital development at New Town remain upbeat about the project despite a council officer recommending their application be refused.

National short stay hospital specialist Nexus Hospitals and Tasmanian-based family construction business Contact Group plan to build the $50 million Tasman Private Hospital at the old Win TV site at 48-52 New Town Rd.

The proposal will be considered for a second time by the Hobart City Council’s planning committee tonight.

Last month, the committee voted to defer it to give the applicants time to consider further consultation with council staff and the community for a potential redesign.

A planning officer’s report said a meeting was held since the October committee meeting between the applicant and those who made representations against the project.

Nexus Hospitals chief executive Andrew Petering said he was hopeful the council would support changes made after the public consultation.

Mr Petering said Nexus had submitted amended plans which he said he was confident addressed concerns expressed by the community.

“Whilst the legal appeal process is available, we are hopeful that common sense prevails and that this project which is important to the broader interests of health service delivery in Hobart will be approved,’’ he said.

The design for the boutique four-storey medical centre included six operating theatres and a 24-bed overnight ward as well as pharmacy, radiology, conference facilities, doctors’ rooms and health support services.

The application was recommended for refusal by council staff on six grounds, including that it did not contribute positively to the streetscape and would have an unreasonable impact on residential amenity.

The planning officer’s report recommended the proponents submit a new application responding to concerns outlined in the report, but Nexus decided not to.

The application is due to expire on December 3 and the proponents have asked the council to consider approving it subject to conditions.

The application drew opposition from the community and last month’s meeting was standing room only.

More than 50 written representations were made against the project after a public advertising period.